June 29th. From twelve midnight to four o’clock this morning the mortars and batteries of the army firing from the rear into the rebel batteries, the enemy not taking any notice whatever. This morning, Lieut. J. H. Higbee, U. S. M. C., with a corporal, went over to the army in charge of the three prisoners of the 75th regiment of N. Y. V. At nine o’clock, inspected crew at quarters. The bombardment of Port Hudson, or Gibraltar No. 2 on the Mississippi, still going on, and continued through the remainder of this day.
Cruise of the U.S. Flag-Ship Hartford–Wm. C. Holton
January 16th. This morning, at ten o’clock, the officers, twelve men, and marine guard of this ship went on shore to attend the funeral of Lieutenant-Commander T. McKean Buchanan, who was killed in action by the rebels in Berwick’s Bay, while commanding the Calhoun on Jan. 14th, 1863. To-day we received another mail from home, which gladdened the hearts of many.
January 12th. Nothing of importance is occurring now-adays to mark one day from another.
Sunday morning, January 4th. This morning, at ten thirty, prayers were read on the quarter-deck, after which a general muster of the crew took place. To-day we received a mail from home by the U. S. steamer Circassian.
January 3d. To-day, at one o’clock, we were honored with a visit from Major-General Banks and Brigadier-General Weitzel.
New Orleans, January 1st, 1863. Nothing of importance has occurred this day.
December 24th. To-day Major-General Butler and Brigadier-General Shepley visited the ship. At eleven A. M., General Butler left the ship in the barge, and went on board the steamer S. R. Spaulding, which is to convey him North. Saluted him with thirteen guns; also cheered ship. The Spaulding went down the river as soon as General Butler arrived on board. At three P. M., French Admiral visited the ship.
One year has nearly elapsed since we weighed anchor at Philadelphia, and in that space of time Admiral Farragut has accomplished what perhaps no other man in the U. S. Navy could have done, viz., opened the way to New Orleans. True, Vicksburg is yet in the way of the free navigation of the Mississippi river, yet that fact detracts not one iota from the credit due to the brave old man. The original object of the expedition was simply the reduction of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and the fortifications supposed to be placed on the river up to the city of New Orleans; but after the splendid success that crowned the efforts of the fleet, the Government issued the order that Vicksburg should be attacked, which was accordingly done, the fleet passing and repassing it; and it was patent to every intelligent eye, that had there been troops sent to garrison the place, the batteries opposed to us could easily have been carried under the fire that would have been brought to bear from the shipping. Porter’s iron fleet then formed a junction with us, and as this was their proper district we withdrew, having cleared the Mississippi river for the distance of four hundred miles, and thereby thrown open to commerce an immense district of the richest portion of the South.
Of the smaller places that were conquered under the direction of Admiral Farragut no mention need here be made, the crowning deed was done in the first battle, and besides, are not “all these mentioned in the Chronicles.”
In the selection of the officers in charge of the different departments of the expedition, Government has been very fortunate. They all thoroughly understood their work, and heartily co-operated in their efforts to overcome the enemy. The crews of the vessels are men that do honor to their commanders,—hardy, brave and willing, they need no urging, and are entitled to the motto, Semper paratus.
The expedition has been so fortunate as not to encounter that infectious disease, yellow fever,—more to be feared by unacclimated persons than the fiercest battles. The excellent sanitary regulations of the fleet, by Dr. Foltz, has caused the mortality from disease to be less than the most sanguine could have hoped. The loss of life in battle has been very small, all things being taken into consideration, although the expedition has been the most fortunate of the war, owing, under Providence, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, and his meritorious and intelligent officers.
December 17th. This afternoon, at two o’clock, Major-General Banks and Brigadier-General Augur, with their staffs, visited the ship. Our Admiral and Commodore seemed highly pleased to meet with them; they remained on board about two hours. As they were leaving, a salute of thirteen guns was fired.
December 16th. To-day six more steamers arrived loaded with troops, and as they passed our ship cheer upon cheer rent the air, while a brass band discoursed splendid music.
December 15th. To-day several fine steamers belonging to Banks’ expedition arrived, loaded with troops; all transports, as they arrive, lay off in the stream.
